On illegal logging

On illegal logging

Regarding your article on illegal logging in Tanjung Puting
National Park (The Jakarta Post, July 27, 2000), we would like
to correct two points.

In a meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid on July 25, 2000
the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Telapak
Indonesia were encouraged to receive his support to crack down on
the timber-baron responsible for looting this protected area.
Although nominated by the Functional Group (Golkar), Abdul Rasyid
is a regional representative in the People's Consultative
Assembly (MPR), not "from Golkar" as stated in your article.

The President also supported a two-year moratorium on ramin
timber exports by using the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES) international mechanism -- not a
suspension of all timber exports as reported in your article.

Placing ramin on Appendix 3 of CITES with a zero quota for two
years will provide an international mechanism to help prevent the
illegal export and import of this timber species.

EIA and Telapak Indonesia welcome his concern and will
continue to campaign until this unique area is cleared of illegal
loggers and the timber-baron is held accountable.

A. RUWINDRIJARTO

Executive Director

Telapak Indonesia

DAVE CURREY

Director EIA

Bogor, West Java